Deer Park fees held at 2012 rates

Fees at Deer Park Golf Park are being held at 2012 rates for the current year, following a decision of Yorkton Council at its regular meeting March 25.

"Council reviewed the Deer Park Golf Course fees and charges at their February 25, 2013 Council meeting and further provided direction to Administration to bring back information on the impacts of reducing fees at Deer Park with the intention to make the course more accessible to the general public and increase rounds played," explained Darcy McLeod Director of Community Development, Parks and Recreation with the City.

The rates presented at the February meeting would have seen fees raised three per cent across most course fees, in light of Council's request for recommendations on alternative measures to help boost course usage.

"At the December 3, 2012 Council meeting Council accepted Administration's recommendation to create a Council Committee for the Deer Park Golf Course that would report directly to Council through the Recreation Services Manager. This new Committee was tasked with reviewing the operating structure for Deer Park. Given the direction given to this Council Committee; the timeline needed to gather the information related to Council's direction of February 25 and the nearing golf season, the following options are being provided for Council consideration," said McLeod.

With time needed the recommendation was to hold fees at 2012 rates.

Initially Councillor Chris Wyatt made a motion to proceed with the three per cent increase but the motion was defeated.

Coun. James Wilson said it was a case whereby doing the same thing, raising fees, and expecting that to boost revenues in the face of lower course usage was not working.

"The reality is the last seven, eight years we've been raising fees trying to cover costs," he said, adding that has not worked.

Coun. Ross Fisher said the issue is reduced usage, noting a continuing decline in memberships and rounds, adding that "is worrisome."

Coun. Randy Goulden said fees may not be the whole issue.

"I am not convinced the lack of rounds there is entirely the costs," noting she saw the three per cent increase as "fair" adding it was in line with increases for other City-operated recreation facilities.

The motion to hold rates at 2012 levels allowing for the new Committee to formulate a long term plan was eventually passed by Council, with Councillors Larry Pearen Goulden and Wyatt opposed.